Abstract: Compared with other welding technologies, flash butt welding technology for large-diameter pipeline with heavy wall is characterized by high-quality welds, increased production rates and less material requirements. So Soviet Union had widely applied this technology in 1420 mm diameter pipeline of 20 mm wall thickness, and had shown a good effect. But this technology has not yet adopted in construction of pipeline in China so far. This paper presents the theory and development of flash butt welding technology, and its application in construction of large-diameter pipeline of Soviet Union, discusses the prospect of using this technology in China.